2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado gets a power boost and improved tech

Toyota this week announced its popular Land Cruiser Prado has been upgraded with the firm's muscular new 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel engine.

Already seen in the facelifted Hilux and mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission (previously five-speed), this motor punches out a healthy 150kW (up by 30kW) at 3,400rpm and 500Nm from 1,600 to 2,800rpm (an increase of 100Nm).

Despite these brawnier outputs, Toyota claims the new Prado also delivers improved fuel consumption with a claimed 7.9l/100km. CO2 emissions have been slashed to 209g/km. Fuel capacity is 150 litres with an 87-litre main tank and 63-litre sub tank. Maximum braked towing capacity has been increased to 3,000kg.

The 202kW/381Nm 4.0-litre petrol engine continues unaltered.

Updated engine aside, Toyota has also refreshed the Prado's cabin with the fitment of a new generation infotainment system. Operated via a nine-inch touchscreen display, customers can look forward to enhanced voice recognition and compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

As before, the Prado is still available in no less than three model grades: TX, VX and VX-L.

Entry-level TX variants come equipped with automatic dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker touch audio system, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, illuminated entry, cruise control, park distance control, keyless entry, auto door lock, three power outlets, Bluetooth connectivity, USB, third row seating and reverse camera.

Seat heating and ventilation are provided for front row occupants while second row occupants also benefit from seat heating. There's also a refrigerated centre console.

VX models build on this with the addition of memory function for the driver’s seat, a 14-speaker Premium sound system, multi-information display, power tilt-and-telescopic steering adjustment, rain-sensing wipers and power-fold-down functionality for the third row seats.

The flagship VX-L ups the ante with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which encompasses a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). In addition, the Automatic High Beam (AHB) function provides enhanced visibility via the LED headlamps when activated. A power-operated tilt-and-slide moonroof completes the VX-L package.

Buyers have the choice of two interior colour schemes on the VX and VX-L: "Black" or "Neutral Beige". A matte-finish walnut wood trim is paired with the Black interior, while the Beige iteration is paired with matte oak accents.

TX models forego the wood trim for a classic black interior design.   

In terms of off-road technologies, all new Prado models come fitted with Toyota's Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) as standard.

VX and VX-L models benefit from the addition of Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) which, operated by a centrally mounted rotary knob, allows the driver to select the correct mode depending on road conditions. The system has five pre-configured modes including mud and sand, loose rock, mogul, rock and dirt and rock. These model variants also feature Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Crawl Control.

New for 2020 is the inclusion of "Drive Mode Select" on 2.8 VX and VX-L models (already standard on the V6), which offers five modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Normal and Eco. Drivers can select the modes by pressing a button on the multifunction steering wheel.

Chassis-wise, the TX models use steel springs and dampers while VX and VX-L versions boast Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The latter employs a hydraulic system attached to the sway bars to effectively link all four wheels, thereby reducing body roll and improving wheel articulation. In addition to KDSS, these two model grades also make use of Toyota’s Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) to allow adjustability of the shock absorber damping level. This is linked to the Drive Mode Select function.

Pricing for the new 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Range is as follows:

Prado 2.8L Diesel TX: R939,900

Prado 4.0L Petrol VX: R1,029,000

Prado 2.8L Diesel VX: R1,060,600

Prado 4.0L Petrol VX-L: R1,072,600

Prado 2.8L Diesel VX-L: R1,105,800.